Introduction: Repeated Incursions by Chinese Coast Guard
On Friday, Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) reported two separate incidents of Chinese coast guard vessels entering the waters near Kinmen, a group of islands located just off the southeastern coast of China’s Fujian Province. This marks another escalation in ongoing tensions over maritime boundaries and sovereignty issues between Taiwan and China.
The vessels’ intrusion into Taiwan-controlled waters occurred at two distinct times during the day. The CGA responded promptly to each incident, sending out its own patrol ships and issuing stern warnings to the Chinese vessels. Despite the warnings, the Chinese vessels re-entered the area in the afternoon, prompting renewed efforts by Taiwan’s Coast Guard to monitor and ensure the safety of its maritime borders.
First Intrusion: Early Morning Incident
According to the CGA’s statement, the first intrusion occurred at 8:50 a.m. when four Chinese coast guard vessels entered the waters around Kinmen from multiple points, including Fuxingyu, Zhaishan, Liaoluo, and the southern entrance of Beiding. These areas are significant as they lie within Taiwan’s restricted maritime zones surrounding the Kinmen Islands.
The CGA immediately dispatched four of its own patrol vessels to intercept the intruders. The Taiwan Coast Guard issued multiple radio warnings in both Mandarin and English, ordering the Chinese vessels to leave Taiwan’s territorial waters. The warnings also included statements about the risks posed by their illegal presence in the area. Despite the warnings, the Chinese vessels eventually departed around 11 a.m..
Second Intrusion: Afternoon Resurgence
However, the tensions escalated again in the afternoon. At 2:45 p.m., the Chinese coast guard vessels returned to Kinmen’s restricted waters, prompting the CGA to once again send out its patrol ships to monitor the situation closely. Taiwan’s forces followed the Chinese vessels and maintained a careful watch over the area to ensure the safety and sovereignty of Taiwan’s maritime boundaries.
By 5 p.m., the Chinese vessels left the restricted area, and the Taiwan Coast Guard continued its patrol operations to ensure no further intrusions occurred. The CGA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Taiwan’s maritime security and vowed to continue protecting the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The Significance of the Incident
The Chinese Coast Guard’s repeated incursions into Taiwan-controlled waters near the Kinmen Islands are a reminder of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Kinmen lies within close proximity to Xiamen, a major coastal city in China, and the region is often at the center of disputes regarding territorial waters.
China’s Claims on Maritime Boundaries: China has frequently sent coast guard vessels into Taiwan-controlled waters around Kinmen, citing its right to patrol these areas as part of its claim over Taiwan’s maritime territories. This ongoing harassment has been compounded by the fatal incident on February 14, when a Chinese speedboat capsized while being pursued by a CGA vessel. The incident led to the deaths of two Chinese crew members, and China has used this as justification for its continued naval presence in the region.
The CGA has expressed concerns that these incursions not only undermine regional peace but also jeopardize the safety of all ships operating in the area. Taiwan has consistently called for China to cease these provocative actions and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Response: Maintaining Maritime Security
Despite the Chinese vessels’ provocations, Taiwan’s Coast Guard has pledged to continue safeguarding its maritime borders and ensuring regional stability. The CGA has emphasized that these types of incursions only serve to escalate tensions between Taiwan and China, hindering any possibility of peaceful, equal exchanges between the two sides. In response, Taiwan’s government has vowed to uphold its sovereignty and prevent any further violations of its maritime borders.
Maritime Zones Around Kinmen: Kinmen County, due to its proximity to China, lies within a delicate situation regarding territorial waters. Taiwan has demarcated various prohibited and restricted maritime zones extending from the shores of the Kinmen Islands. These zones range from 1,500 meters to 10,000 meters and are closely monitored by Taiwan’s Coast Guard. The presence of Chinese vessels in these restricted waters is seen as a direct challenge to Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Table: Overview of Friday’s Incidents
| Incident | Time | Chinese Vessels’ Movement | Taiwan’s Response | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Intrusion | 8:50 a.m. | Entered from Fuxingyu, Zhaishan, Liaoluo, and Beiding | 4 CGA patrol vessels dispatched, warnings issued in Mandarin & English | Chinese vessels left around 11:00 a.m. |
| Second Intrusion | 2:45 p.m. | Re-entered Kinmen’s restricted waters | 4 CGA patrol vessels dispatched to monitor vessels | Chinese vessels left around 5:00 p.m. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Kinmen so significant in Taiwan-China tensions?
Kinmen lies just off the coast of China’s Fujian Province, making it strategically important in the Taiwan Strait. The region is a point of frequent maritime disputes, with both China and Taiwan asserting claims over the surrounding waters.
2. How does Taiwan respond to Chinese Coast Guard incursions?
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) dispatches its own patrol vessels to monitor the Chinese ships and issue warnings, urging them to leave Taiwan’s maritime territory. The CGA also reinforces its commitment to maintaining Taiwan’s maritime security.
3. What led to China’s increased maritime presence near Kinmen?
China has sent coast guard vessels into Taiwan-controlled waters after a fatal incident in February 2024, where a Chinese speedboat capsized while being pursued by the CGA, resulting in two deaths. China has used this incident as a justification for increased naval patrols.
4. What measures are in place to protect Taiwan’s maritime boundaries?
Taiwan has established prohibited and restricted maritime zones around the Kinmen Islands, which extend between 1,500 meters to 10,000 meters from the shores. The CGA continuously patrols these zones to prevent any unauthorized intrusions.
5. How does China justify its presence in Taiwan’s waters?
China claims that it has the right to patrol the waters around Kinmen, citing historical and territorial disputes. However, Taiwan views these incursions as violations of its sovereignty and maritime rights.
